New anime collaborations set to thrill fans worldwide

N Lite Animation Studio Forms Exciting Partnership with Gonzo K.K. and Peter Ramsey

Unveiling groundbreaking animated projects

In a groundbreaking move, N Lite Animation Studio has announced a collaboration with the Emmy-winning Japanese anime powerhouse Gonzo K.K., known for “Afro Samurai”, and Peter Ramsey, the Oscar-winning director of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”. Together, they will produce two thrilling animated projects: a noir thriller feature named “Ripper” and a sci-fi adventure series titled “Hotaru”.

“Ripper”: A noir thriller in post-WWII Japan

Peter Ramsey is set to executive produce and co-write “Ripper,” a visually stunning hybrid live-action/anime feature taking place in post-WWII Japan. This highly anticipated film will follow the gripping story of two detectives on the hunt for a serial killer who murdered the women they loved. Samantha Inoue Harte, N Lite’s Head of Production, created this intense narrative along with co-writers Paul Alvarado-Dykstra and Rafael Antonio Ruiz.

A star-studded production team

“Ripper” boasts an impressive production team. With the renowned JuVee Productions, founded by Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, onboard, there’s an aura of excellence surrounding this project. Davis, Tennon, and Melanie Clark from JuVee will serve as executive producers alongside Gonzo CEO Shinichiro Ishikawa. Inoue Harte and N Lite CEO Christiano Terry will join the ranks to produce what promises to be an unforgettable cinematic experience.

Embracing historical and cultural intersections

Peter Ramsey is thrilled about this venture. “I’m excited to collaborate with N Lite on a project that is deeply personal,” says Ramsey. “The shared experiences of Black and Japanese people in Japan during WWII offer a dramatic and poignant cultural intersection that we’ve never seen on screen. Anime is experiencing an incredible resurgence, and as a fan, I’m looking forward to creating something unprecedented.”

“Hotaru”: A swashbuckling sci-fi adventure

In addition to “Ripper,” Ramsey will also executive produce “Hotaru,” an exhilarating sci-fi/fantasy series. Described as a “swashbuckling adventure about two magic-wielding warriors bound by love and grief,” “Hotaru” is set to captivate audiences with its intricate storyline and breathtaking visuals.

Created by N Lite’s Samantha Inoue Harte, Paul Alvarado-Dykstra, and Christiano Terry, the series will be produced by Terry, with Ramsey and the creative minds at N Lite completing the team. With its unique combination of romance, action, and fantasy, “Hotaru” is expected to set a new standard in anime storytelling.

Building cultural bridges through animation

Christiano Terry emphasizes the importance of this collaboration: “Building cultural bridges and meaningful partnerships with our peers and senpai in the anime community is paramount to our vision and growth as a studio. Partnering with Gonzo, whose works like ‘Afro Samurai’ inspire us, enables us to create projects that resonate on a global scale. Peter Ramsey’s involvement adds an extra layer of brilliance, promising to captivate fans worldwide.”

N Lite: A leader in diverse storytelling

As a Black-owned media company, N Lite is committed to producing and distributing compelling narratives across various platforms including film, TV, and publishing. Operating from its Tokyo-based Studio N Lite, the company prides itself on introducing diverse, powerful stories to a global audience.

Gonzo K.K.: Pioneers in Japanese anime

Tokyo-based Gonzo K.K. has a long-standing reputation for creating visually striking and notable anime series like “Full Metal Panic!,” “Hellsing,” and “Last Exile.” Gonzo’s innovative approach made history with “Afro Samurai,” which was the first Japanese anime series to feature a Black protagonist, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson. The series went on to win an Emmy Award for its TV feature “Afro Samurai: Resurrection.”

A vision for inclusive and innovative storytelling

“We at Gonzo are elated to partner with N Lite and Peter Ramsey on these bold new projects,” says Gonzo K.K. CEO Shinichiro Ishikawa. “These collaborations are conceived as inclusive international co-productions, reaching diverse global audiences. With N Lite, we share a vision of innovative, culturally rich storytelling that champions diverse voices. Attracting esteemed collaborators like Ramsey demonstrates our shared commitment to bringing fresh, exciting narratives to life.”

Stay tuned for more

These ambitious projects mark a significant step forward in the world of animation. By weaving together elements of culture, history, and cutting-edge storytelling, N Lite, Gonzo K.K., and Peter Ramsey are set to redefine the landscape of animated entertainment.

For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights, follow our journey on social media and stay informed as N Lite and Gonzo K.K. bring these visionary projects to life.